Steelers roster spotlight: Was Troy Fautanu's position change a mistake?

Troy Fautanu is embracing a new position with the Mike McCarthy-led Pittsburgh Steelers. But despite his success at right tackle last season, Fautanu’s transition to the left side hasn’t been easy.

From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here’s a look at Fautanu and what could be in store for his 2026 season.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 4: Thursday Night Football, Oct. 1, at Cleveland Browns, 8:15 p.m. ET

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Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, at New Orleans Saints, 9:30 a.m. ET (Paris)

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Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 10: Sunday Night Football, Nov. 15, at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:20 p.m. ET

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Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET

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Week 12: Friday, Nov. 27, vs. Denver Broncos, 3:00 p.m. ET (Black Friday Game)

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Week 13: Sunday Night Football, Dec. 6, vs. Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m. ET

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Week 14: Monday Night Football, Dec. 14, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:15 p.m. ET

<15 / 18

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 16: TBD, vs. Carolina Panthers, TBD

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Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET

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Week 18: TBD, at Baltimore Ravens, TBD

Fautanu, who was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a season-ending knee injury during his rookie season. He showed outstanding promise at right tackle last season but hasn’t exactly transitioned well to left tackle, which was evident during training camp and the preseason opener.

There’s reason to believe that McCarthy made a Mike Tomlin-esque mistake in moving Fautanu from right to left tackle. It’s still early, but Fautanu was one of Pittsburgh’s young standouts at right tackle. If the 2024 first-rounder can’t handle the position, perhaps it’s time the Steelers cut their losses and move him back, while Dylan Cook and Broderick Jones compete for the vacancy at left tackle.

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